Thousands of students will be leaving home and heading off to places new, far afield, in search of education and trying to avoid poverty.

Here are 19 tips which helped me through Uni on a tight budget.

1. Which bank should I open a student account with?

Find out which bank has a branch close to campus – it can be useful to bank with the local branch as they will generally be more understanding of student needs – remember they are trying to capture you as a lifelong customer (it’s a dog eat dog world out there!), although in this day and age of cash machines and internet banking it might be more important to you to choose the bank which is offering the best “enticement” to bank with them.

In an article I will be writing next week I will compare and comment on the student offerings of the various banks – be sure to subscribe to ensure you receive a copy once published.

2. Make a budget and stick to it!

Ensure your money doesn’t run out before the end of term – you might like to use our income and expenditure spreadsheet to plan how your money will be coming in and going out (!).

3. Do I need a credit card?

Many institutions will be offering you a credit card which can be tempting – we’ve all been there! The thought of a £1,000 or more credit facility can be very tempting – but remember, that it’s not really a credit card – it’s a debt card and unless you pay off the balance in time, each and every month, you will start paying interest – then that great bargain you saw whilst out shopping will not be such a great bargain once the interest starts accruing.

Did you know you can get a prepaid credit card – these allow you to add money to them – either online from your bank account or through a Post Office – I have one for travelling and it is a Mastercard – ensuring it can be accepted at all places where Visa and Mastercard are accepted. There is no possibility of incurring any interest or debt with these and are a wise choice for students as parents can top them up at home for you as well with the money normally being available almost instantly if credited at certain retail outlets – ideal for those emergency situations.

4. Set aside your rent before you do anything else!

Once you have your funds in place, whether that be a student loan or money which you have saved personally, set aside your rent for the term or academic year in a savings account to ensure your don’t spend it elsewhere – many students, myself included, had to go cap in hand to their folks asking for a “loan” a couple of weeks before the end of term.

5. Fresher’s fair – beware of “joining societies” syndrome

Freshers fair is a bustling hive of activity – all the societies and clubs will be vying for your membership – we all thought it would be a good idea to join plenty of clubs and societies – “a discount if you join today!” – only to never attend a single event – beware – choose carefully!

6. Pay your Bills on Time

For many it will be the first time they have had to manage their own finances – ensure that your mobile phone, gas, water etc bills are all paid on time – you don’t want to receive red letters and be charged fines for missing payments – you probably don’t have enough money as it is!

7. Try not to use a car

Many students feel the need to use a car whilst at University – not only are they expensive to run but they also affect the environment and cause local congestion in the University city in which you live.

  • Walk if possible
  • Live on a bus route – most cities have excellent transport facilities to and from University campuses
  • If you must use a car try car sharing – sharing the petrol and cutting down on the congestion

8. Earn some money

Most students I knew had to supplement their income by working, either during term time or after the end of term in the holidays. Make sure that any work you do does not interfere with your studying – that’s what you’re at University for! You can earn £6,475 in the current tax year (up to 6th April 2010) without having to pay any income tax – ensure your employer gives you the correct tax code.

9. Start your Own Business

Today there are more opportunities for students to earn a living on the side – selling stuff on Ebay, car boot sales, writing a blog and earning an income from advertising (not easy) – be creative – you don’t need to stack shelves in a supermarket!

10. If in trouble ask for help

If you have money problems speak to someone about it – parents, friends, Student Union (they will have excellent staff who can really help you sort things out) – the worst possible thing you can do is stick your head in the sand and ignore an issue – it won’t go away and will most likely get even worse.

11. Avoid fraud

Be wary of any offer which looks too good to be true – it often will be! There are a lot of scumbags out there trying to take your money off you – just be careful.

12. Don’t carry lots of cash

There is no need to carry lots of cash with you – you might drop or lose your wallet or purse, or even worse. Get a pre-paid credit card – it can be cancelled and be replaced – cash can’t

13. Get contents insurance

Many specialist insurance companies offer policies ideally suited for students. You may not think you need insurance but consider how much it would cost for your replace that laptop or that hifi, that nice new LCD flatscreen. Policies are not expensive and are strongly recommended – it’s a sad fact that student accommodation can get burgled – we were but thankfully we were insured.

14. Shopping around can save you money!

You don’t need me to tell you that buying the latest DVD etc in the shops cannot be improved on by shopping online – make sure you shop around to get the best deal going – there is no need to pay top dollar for any purchase – and as a student you will have plenty of free time to shop around and plan ahead for birthday and christmas presents.

15. Student Card – Use It!

Many retailers in University towns will offer discounts to students – your Student Union will probably issue you with a list of local traders – use them – save money.

16. Student Nights

Many clubs will offer student nights – usually in the week – when I went to Uni back in the early 90’s it was free entry and £1 a pint! Cheaper than drinking in the local pubs and clubs.

17. Don’t hang out with frivolous people!

“Keeping up with the Jones’s” when you are at University and it is fair to say that some students will have considerably more money than you – it’s difficult to keep up a champagne lifestyle on a tap-water income! Choose your friends wisely – you will probably spend the next 3 years trying to shake off the friends you make in the first 3 weeks anyway!

18. Buy One Get One Free!

Take your time in the supermarket – there are some great offers if you look. Learn to cook – there are loads of simple recipes online for students – here’s a site I just found – it can be fun to cook your own food – pre-packed meals are boring and if you cook too much save some for later or invite some friends over.

19. Avoid getting into trouble – get a TV License

If you live away from home you may need to ensure there is a TV licence in place. Visit the TV Licensing website to find out about your own particular circumstances.

Please share your own hints and tips by adding a comment below.

And finally……..

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Interesting article –

Check out this article over at moneywatch.co.uk – the most expensive and cheapest University towns

The following is a list of the top 10 read articles in August.

1. Pay Yourself First – the first step in wealth creation

This article discusses the need to save from income before spending it! This is a form of deferred consumption and by saving first and then spending what is left you can build a solid foundation to your financial future.

Tip – aim to start saving 10% of net income each and every month – it won’t be easy at first but your budget and lifestyle will adapt over time.

2. Get Money for your Old Mobile Phone

Many of us have old mobile handsets lying around – did you know you can sell yours online – here is an article discussing this – I recently sold my old Sony Ericsson K800i and received £28.00.

3. New Tax New ISA Allowance – ISA 2009/2010

In just over a months time the ISA allowance for over 50’s increases to £10,200, with the allowance increasing for the remainder of the population on 6th April 2010.

4. Cashflow forecasting – income and expenditure spreadsheet

Our free income and expenditure spreadsheet remains as popular as ever and we are receiving some great feedback from people who are using it – thanks!

5. Investment Bonds – an introduction

An investment bond can be a shrewd financial planning tool as well as an investment vehicle.

6. It’s not how much you save but how long

This article discusses how, over time, money make money – with interest earned on a savings account itself earning interest. The longer you can save for the more money you will build up – start saving as young as possible.

7. Non-taxpayers – ensure you receive your bank and building society interest without tax deducted

Completing a simple form can ensure that non-taxpayers, both young and old don’t pay unnecessary income tax on the interest they receive on their savings accounts. With interest rates as low as they are at present every penny counts so ensure you’re registered to receive your interest gross if applicable.

8. Personal Finance Blogroll

A list of the other personal finance blogs I visit on a regular basis – makes for some interesting reading!

9. Retirement is an Income not an Age

Many have fallen into the trap that retirement occurs at a particular age. Unfortunately for most of the population this occurs simply because they haven’t secured sufficient income to retire earlier. By targeting a specific income and going for that it is possible to retire early. In a forthcoming article on “goal setting” we will discuss how this can be achieved.

10. Buy a Financial Calculator

If you’re serious about planning your own finances I strongly recommend buying a good financial calculator – ideal for calculating rates of return, how much to save on a regular basis to build a certain sized fund etc.

And finally……

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In this post we will answer some of the many questions we are receiving from visitors to the site. Although we cannot answer your questions directly and we are not authorised to give financial advice were we see a theme running through questions from our readers we will provide a generic answer on the site.

I remember at school the teacher always used to say “ask a question – if you have a question you can guarantee that half the class also have the same question but are too scared to ask!”.

Where can I get a free income and expenditure spreadsheet?

We posted an article a number of months ago which has proved to be extremely popular. Our Excel spreadsheet allows you to enter income and expenditure over a 12 month period, broken down into months to see when your cashflow will be good, and not so good.

Here is the article – Cashflow Forecasting – Income and Expenditure Spreadsheet

When does the ISA allowance change?

The ISA allowance is set to increase to £10,200 for the over 50’s on 6th October 2009, with the increase coming into effect for the under 50’s from 6th April 2010.

More info on changes in ISA allowances 2009/2010 can be found in these articles:

New Tax Year – New ISA Allowance – 2009/2010
Changes in ISA Allowances – Budget 2009

How can I avoid paying tax on my Bank Interest – I am a non-taxpayer?

If you’re a non-taxpayer you can register to receive your bank and building society interest gross (i.e. with no tax deducted). All you need to do is fill out a simple form and pass it to your bank or building society.

See this article:

Non-taxpayers – ensure you receive interest on your savings with no tax deducted

I am a non-taxpayer – can I pay into a personal pension?

Yes you can, you are entitled to invest up to £3,600 (gross) each tax year (before 5th April 2010) and receive tax relief on the money you invest – basic rate income tax relief is received on each contribution you make – you effectively only have to invest £2,880 to have £3,600 invested – the pension company reclaims the difference from the Inland Revenue (HMRC) even though you have paid no income tax!!!

See this article:

Pension Planning for Non-Earners

Is Inheritance Tax payable on ISA Investments?

Yes, at the date of death the ISA loses its tax-free status and forms part of the deceased’s estate for calculating any liability to inheritance tax.

I want to surrender my Investment Bond but the life insurance company says it will apply a Market Value Adjustment – what is this?

MVA/MVR’s can be applied to a with-profits investment at the time of encashment if there has been a fall in the stock market during the period before surrender. This is to ensure the person surrendering the investment receives a “fair value” for their slice of the with-profits fund and to protect remaining investors from those taking their money out.

Some investment bonds have an MVA free date – usually on the 10th anniversary – check your paperwork issued at the time you took out the investment or phone your life company for more details.

Article – With-Profit Bonds – Avoiding a Market Value Reduction

Can a Personal Pension be paid to Both Partners?

No – the pension is only payable to the “annuitant” (the person who took out the pension and bought an annuity – an income for life – with the fund at retirement).

A widow(ers) pension can be added to an annuity as an option, at the time the annuity is purchased – usually 50% or 66% of the pension if the person whose pension it is dies first.

Did you know you can shop around for your pension at the time of retirement – it’s called the Open Market Option – more information on Personal Pensions

Can additional lives assured be included on an Investment Bond?

Yes – you can have more than one “life assured” on an investment bond at outset. Parents might like to consider adding their children – this allows the investment bond to continue after death of the parents. Consult an Independent Financial Adviser.

Is it true that the longer you save the bigger your money will grow?

Yes – this is related to “compound interest” and the “time value of money”. In basic terms, interest earned on a savings account will, in subsequent years also earn interest.

For example, if you invested £100 in year 1 at an interest rate of 10% (if only!) – at the end of year 1 you would have £110. In year 2 you would earn interest on the £100 initially invested and the £10 interest received in year 1 – so the interest received in year 2 would be £11 (£10 on the initial amount invested and £1 interest on the £10 interest added at the end of year 1!).

Interesting articles: –

It’s not how much you save but how long
The Rule of 72 – The Time Value of Money

This is a selection of the many questions we receive – please contact us if you have a question and we will try to answer it in a future posting.

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Anyone who is committed to increasing their personal wealth would be strongly recommended to buy a financial calculator.

I bought my first financial calculator when I was at University some 18 years ago, it was a Hewlett Packlard 10B Business Calculator, and I still use it today. The model has been updated now – Hewlett Packard 10BII – but the new model still offers the same great facilities I have come to know and love.

It carries out all the normal calculations you would expect of a scientific calculator, but also provides the ability to calculate the following:

Growth of a set level of regular savings, given amount, rate of interest and term in years is known
Net Present Value (of a range of regular inflows of cash)
Internal Rate of Return
Compound Interest Calculations
Time Value of Money

For example, if I save £100 per month, for 25 years, at 6% interest this calculator will calculate the future value of my savings (the answer is £69,299!). If I change this to 26 years, the answer is now £74,807 – an additional £5,508 for investing for another 12 months!!!

For retirement planning, say I have identified that I need a pot of £360,000 in 23 years time to retire on the income I need to live in retirement, I can calculate how much I need to invest on an annual or monthly basis, assuming any rate of return, to hit the target.

The third calculation I like to use the calculator for is calculating how long money will last for, for example, I have £10,000 today and I wish to draw £250 per month from it. Based on an interest rate of 4%, my calculator shows me that my money will last for 43 months.

Here’s the manual (4.0MB) for my Hewlett Packard calculator – it shows all the different calculations you can do with a financial calculator.

Buy a financial calculator from Amazon.

Related articles:

Rule of 72 – Time Value of Money

It’s Not How Much you Save, But How Long

I was reading an excellent post over at Seth Godin’s blog which got me thinking about budgeting, wealth and financial independence.

The article talks about how over 2 billion people on this planet live below the poverty line. Now for one moment, the chances are that if you are reading this article, you are not living in the abject poverty being suffered around the world but you could be in a state of personal financial “poverty”.

Do you spend more than you earn? Does more money float out of your bank account each month than flows in?

If you spend just one more £1 than you earn each month, you will get further and further into debt. If you spend £1 less than you earn each month that is £1 extra put in reserve.

To achieve financial freedom in your life time you need to spend money only on necessities, and save for a later time, when you can afford to buy luxuries.

Actions:

1. Prioritise your debts – pay those carrying the higher interest rates first

2. Draw up a cashflow forecast – see how your money comes and goes each month over the next 12 months.

3. Prune all those “luxuries” you don’t need – e.g. possibly downgrade on your satellite or cable package, cancel that gym membership you never use.

4. Destroy those credit cards – only use cash for purchases – open a separate savings account for those large, one-off purchases you need to make each year.

5. Live by the mantra, “10% of all I earn is mine to keep forever”.

What else can I add to this list – please comment below.

The following is a list of the top ten articles visited in July 2009: –

1. Pay Yourself First

This article stresses the importance of saving first from your income, and then living off the remainder, rather than the other way around. Those who save first and spend what is left invariably become richer than those who spend first and save what is left, if anything. A great lesson for us all!

2. Cashflow Forecasting – Planning Income and Expenditure

The basis of any budget is knowing what income you have coming into the household, compared to what is going out in the way of expenses – this extremely popular spreadsheet will help you with this vital task.

3. New Tax Year – New ISA Allowance – 2009/2010

The Chancellor increased the ISA allowance to £10,200 from 6th October 2009 for those over the age of 50, with the remainder of the population enjoying this allowance from 6th April 2010.

4. Investment Bonds – An Introduction

The investment bond has been a key financial planning tool for a number of years – this article discussed the benefits as well as some of the shortfalls of this often misunderstood investment vehicle.

5. Retirement is an Income, not an Age!

Many people think they have to work to a certain age – unfortunately for most people this is a reality as they never take control of their finances and make their money work for them. By setting an annual income goal, and by paying yourself first, it is possible to retire when you want and not when you have to.

6. Small Increases in Income Make a BIG Difference!

When we consider income and expenditure, most if not all people have fixed costs each month – rent, mortgage, food, insurance, car etc. This article discusses how small increases in income can have a big effect on your standard of living and quality of life.

7. Non-taxpayers – ensure you receive interest on your savings with no tax deducted

Many non-taxpayers are, unfortunately, paying tax on their bank and building society interest – they don’t have to! Completing a simple form provided by the taxman can put more money in your pocket.

8. Over 60? A great free book from the Government

This book contains lots of useful information – download it now for yourself or pass a copy to a relative.

9. State Pension – how much will you get?

Get a free state pension forecast – it’s worth planning ahead – especially if you’re not going to get the full State Pension – check to see what your position is now.

and finally…..

10. New Passport Fees – act quickly to save money

If you’re within 9 months of renewing your passport do it now – save having to pay the 7.64% increase in price coming in September – consider it another way – if you could find a savings account paying 7.64% net after tax would you put money in it!!!!!

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Sometimes known as a “Company Will”, a Director Share Purchase Protection (DSP) scheme is a means by which all parties involved in the running and ownership of a private limited company (ltd) can ensure that the correct course of action is taken in the event of the death of a shareholding Director.

What happens if no plan is put in place?

Unless provision is made for the death of a shareholding Director in the Articles and Memorandums of Association (Mems and Arts) it is normal for a deceased Director’s shares in a private limited company to pass, under the terms of their Will, to their beneficiaries. This could be to a spouse or even to their children below the age of majority.

This would entitle the new “shareholder” (widow(er)!) to not only have a say in the running of the company but also a share of the profits in proportion to their shareholding.

Naturally, this may not be the most appropriate arrangement for any of the parties involved.

What does each party want?

Typically we would expect the remaining shareholders to wish to retain total control over the business in terms of running the business and the distribution of profits in the form of dividends.

Likewise, we would also expect the widow(er) to expect to receive a cash lump sum or an income, to replace that income lost by the death of their spouse.

How can this be achieved?

The normal method for solving this problem is for each shareholding Director to effect a life assurance policy, with the sum assured set at the value of their shareholding in the company – normally the company’s accountants would be involved in assessing and calculating the current value of the business and each shareholding Director would effect a life assurance policy in relation to their proportional ownership of the company.

This would generally by a term assurance plan, although a whole of life plan could be used in certain circumstances.

These life plans would normally be written under a “business trust” with the other Directors acting as trustees.

In addition to this, each individual would also effect a “double option agreement” – this gives the following options: –

1. The widow(er) has the option to sell to the remaining shareholding Directors – if she/he exercises this option the other parties are obliged to act.

2. The shareholding Directors have the option to buy if they wish – is they exercise this option, the widow(er) is obliged to act.

This is why it is known as a “double option” agreement – there are options available to both parties – the main point being that should one with to exercise the option to buy or sell then the other party is obliged to also take part.

Why an “option”?

It has to be an option, and not a pre-agreed sale, in order for the widow(er) to benefit from Business Property Relief on death.

What can be the problems associated with not having a DSP arrangement in place?

These are numerous, but the main ones concern the loss of control to the remaining Directors – would they really want the deceased Directors widow(er) having a say and control in the running of the business – especially if they have no experience of the company or the business market in which it operates – they may wish to take profits as dividends (especially if they have no other source of income!) whereas the remaining Directors may wish to retain profits for reinvestment in the business. The widow(er) could also veto any business plan – making life difficult for all parties involved.

Conclusion

If you are a shareholding Director it is strongly recommended that you discuss the issue of the death of one of the shareholders on the business with each other and with your professional advisers.

The cost of NOT taking action could far outweigh the cost of implementing a Director Shareholders Protection Plan.

In basic terms, would you want to go into business with your co-Directors other half??!!

101-ways-to-make-extra-cash

When considering whether to move to a new employer, many feel that it is important to ensure that they maximise the amount of increase in income that they achieve.

Many would not consider moving to a new job for just £1,000 or £2,000 extra per year.

But it is the point of this article that a small increase in income can make a BIG difference.

When we consider the normal income and expenditure profile for a family we can roughly divide it’s expenditure into “fixed” and “variable”. An example of a fixed expense would be a rent or mortgage payment. It is generally fixed in relation to an increase in income – if you earn an extra £2,000 per year then generally you may stay living in the same property. A “variable” expense on the other hand is an expense which does or can change with income – for example – entertainment – if you’re earning more you may have a tendency to go out for meals, cinema, holidays more, therefore spending more on entertainment as your income rises.

So having considered this, we can see that all people have “fixed costs” and “variable costs” of living. The difference between total expenditure and total income is therefore what we like to think of as “disposable income”.

Having assessed your income and expenditure (see this article on cashflow forecasting) you will arrive at a figure for your “disposable income”.

For example, say your monthly take home pay, after tax and national insurance is £2,000, you have fixed costs of £1,200 per month and variable costs of £500 per month.

This gives total expenses of £1,700 per month and a disposable income of £300 per month.

Now let’s say for arguments sake that you could move to another job which earns you just another £100 per month after tax (£1,200 per year). Many would not consider taking this course of action, yet when we consider this in relation to your “disposable income” you have now seen an increase in your “disposable income” of £100 per month, from £300 to £400 – a 33% increase in disposable income!!!

This is an example of “leverage” where a small change in one variable results in a large change in another variable.

Now you might not get very excited about an additional £100 per month, but what if it was an extra £250, £500, or even £1,000 per month – what could you do with that additional income? I’m sure you could let your imagination run wild on this one.

Could you move to another job for an increase in income, or do something in your free time to earn more money????

It occurred to me recently with all this talk about the need to raise retirement age in the UK due to our ageing population, that many people have got it wrong.

They are thinking of “retirement” as an age, yet in reality it should be an income – when you have sufficient assets to provide you with enough income to replace that which you earn working the 9 to 5, then you are in a position to “retire”.

The overall goal for financial planning in the current day and age must surely be to try and attain “financial independence” in our own lifetimes. To this end, we should endeavour to accumulate sufficient assets around us to provide enough income to enable us not to have to work for a living.

So with this in mind, give consideration to the amount of “income” you would need to retire today – do you really need the full amount of your take-home pay or, with careful planning and spending, could you live on less than you currently receive.

I guess the answer to this must be “yes” – with retirement comes one of the greatest assets we can ever attain – the asset of time.

With time on your side, you can plan your life and expenditure better – you have time to browse for bargains at the supermarket, to shop around for a better deal on your house or car insurance, to cook your own meals instead of buying “expensive” pre-prepared ones.

Start by analysing your income and expenditure – read this article – cashflow forecasting – planning income and expenditure.

The following is a list of the top ten articles visited in June 2009.

1. Pay Yourself First – the first step in wealth creation

Those who save first then spend invariably end up better off than those who spend first and save what is left.

2. New Tax Year – New ISA Allowance

Increase in ISA allowance following the start of the new 2009/2010 tax year on 6th April 2009.

3. Changes in ISA Allowance – Budget 2009

How the ISA allowance will increase to £10,200 for those aged over 50 on 6th October 2009 and for the rest of the population on 6th April 2010.

4. Cashflow Forecasting – Planning Income and Expenditure

A budget and cashflow planning article with a useful Excel spreadsheet to download and share with friends and family.

5. Investment Bonds – An Introduction

The various ways in which this life assurance based investment vehicle can help with your financial planning.

6. Non-taxpayers – earn interest without income tax deducted

How completing a simple form can stop non-taxpayers paying unnecessary tax on their bank and building society interest to the taxman!

7. Critical illness cover v income protection

How these two different types of protection product can be used to compliment each other.

8. Will writing – an introduction

What is a will and why are they important?

9. 10 Great Reasons for Writing a Will

A must-read article for all those serious about financial planning and protecting their families and loved ones.

And, finally…………..

10. The Rule of 72 – The Time Value of Money

A great little rule for making quick calculations